Northwick Park Hospital rolls out digital A&E check-in
New system aims to reduce patient waiting times and improve privacy at the Harrow hospital.
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Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow has implemented a new digital check-in system designed to reduce waiting times in its Accident and Emergency department. The technology allows patients to use their mobile phones to scan a QR code and answer questions about their symptoms and personal details before they are seen by medical staff.
This digital process aims to identify potentially serious cases more quickly and assists hospital staff in prioritising patients according to their medical needs. The information provided is added to the hospital's electronic system, enabling triage nurses to review it before calling patients for assessment. The system was developed by the tech company Streamwave.
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Reduced Waiting Times and Improved Privacy
Dr Chris Nordstrom, an A&E consultant at Northwick Park Hospital, reported that feedback on the new system has been very positive. He stated that the digital check-in has significantly reduced the initial contact time for patients. Previously, patients could wait between 30 to 40 minutes simply to book in, followed by further waiting to see a triage nurse. The new system has cut this booking time to two to three minutes, leading to a substantial reduction in the overall time patients spend in the emergency department.
Beyond efficiency, the digital check-in also aims to improve patient privacy by removing the need for individuals to discuss their symptoms at a reception desk. It also seeks to decrease the administrative workload for hospital staff. Reception staff remain available to assist patients who are unable to use the digital system.
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Dr Nordstrom indicated that approximately two-thirds of patients are currently utilising the digital check-in, and those who are using it appear to be satisfied with the experience.
Future Rollout
The digital check-in system is already operational at Northwick Park Hospital. It is scheduled to be introduced at Ealing Hospital in October. Further rollout is planned for Chelsea and Westminster, St Mary's, West Middlesex, and Hillingdon hospitals.
Questions this report answers
+What is the new digital check-in system at Northwick Park Hospital?
It is a system that allows A&E patients to scan a QR code on their phone and input their symptoms and personal details before seeing medical staff. This aims to speed up the check-in process and improve privacy.
+How much time does the digital check-in save patients?
According to Dr Chris Nordstrom, an A&E consultant at Northwick Park Hospital, patients can now book in within two to three minutes, compared to the previous 30-40 minute wait, significantly reducing their overall time in the emergency department.
+How many patients are using the new system?
Approximately two-thirds of patients at Northwick Park Hospital are currently using the digital check-in system. Feedback from those who have used it has been very positive, as reported by the hospital's A&E consultant.
+Where else will the digital check-in system be introduced?
Following its implementation at Northwick Park Hospital, the system will be rolled out to Ealing Hospital in October. Further introductions are planned for Chelsea and Westminster, St Mary's, West Middlesex, and Hillingdon hospitals.
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